Mary Jo Strege (nee Krause) of West Bend, died on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee at the age of 77 years. She was born on July 22, 1948 in Tripp, SD, the youngest of seven daughters born to the late Harry and Margaret (nee Reuland) Krause. When she was a young child, the family moved to West Bend, WI.

On April 4, 1970, she was united in marriage to Dwayne Strege at Holy Angels Church. The couple settled in West Bend, where she made their home and raised their two daughters. Mary also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Cedar Lake Home for several years.

Mary enjoyed spending time working in her flower garden, cooking, baking, crafting and being with family. She also liked to go fishing and biking with her husband and grandchildren.

Above all else, Mary cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a proud grandmother. Mary’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her family to her beloved cats, Trip and Zoe, who brought warmth and laughter to her home.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Dwayne, and their two daughters: Michelle of West Bend and Tricia (Tim Stofko) of Chicago, IL; 3 grandsons: Aidan, Griffin and Owen; one sister: Marcella Newman of Mayville; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five sisters: Dorothy A. Otte, Elizabeth M. Reuwsaat, Bonnie J. Fick, Carol A. Schlenvogt and Phyllis M. Stiefvater.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 11:30am at Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend. Burial will follow in Washington County Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be at Phillip Funeral Home on Wednesday from 10am until 11:15am.

Mary’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Froedtert Hospital CVICU for their compassionate care.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family.